Today is our 15th wedding anniversary! I'm quite proud to have made it this far, not because I'm such a remarkable person, but because I'm sure I'm a challenge to live with!
Al and I have been through so much together. It is true what some people say, "What doesn't kill you will make you stronger."
The first year was tough because we were getting used to how this marriage thing would work. At times I wanted to give up and leave, but I was too stubborn. I had made a promise before God and our family and I wasn't going to break it.
Six years into our marriage we had a 4 year old, a 2 year old and a 6 month old--we had recently moved. I had quit my job, left my family & friends, and moved into a smaller house. I felt like I was trying to keep all of the plates spinning, and then our 2 year old son was diagnosed with autism. I told myself it would be okay--now he would get the help he needed and we caught it early. But a year later he hadn't improved even a little. My husband's job was becoming very stressful and my world was starting to fall apart. We pulled through, but it was tough at times. We didn't really fight. We had to stick together or it would all come unglued.
Thirteen years into our marriage someone hurt our child. It was someone from our church; someone we trusted. We had to listen to our child explain to a police officer what happened--in detail. We decided after much prayer and fasting to leave our church and leave our community. It was painful for all of us. But God was SO watching out for us!
Fifteen years.....We are in a healthy, growing church. My husband absolutely loves his job. My kids are doing well in school. I've met some great new friends and I got to keep the ones I already had. We're closer to family. We have worked through the bitterness and hurt, and we are truly happy. Life is by no means perfect for us. Our 10 year old son is violent at times and I don't know how long he will live in our home. My other kids fight. My house always seems messy (that bugs me a lot). Our money doesn't seem to go as far as it used to as the economy shrinks and our family grows. But as I said, we are truly happy.
If I could have seen all of this at the altar 15 years ago, I would have probably run to hide in my bed forever. :-) I had no idea. But God did. He has shown me many times--over and over again--that He has never been taken by surprise. Such a comfort that is! I know we can face the next 15, 25, 55, or more years with Him. It makes me think of the hymn "Because He lives, I can face tomorrow. Because He lives, all fear is gone! Because I know He holds the future, and life is worth the living just because He lives!"
I LOVE MY HUSBAND!!!!!
Al and I have been through so much together. It is true what some people say, "What doesn't kill you will make you stronger."
The first year was tough because we were getting used to how this marriage thing would work. At times I wanted to give up and leave, but I was too stubborn. I had made a promise before God and our family and I wasn't going to break it.
Six years into our marriage we had a 4 year old, a 2 year old and a 6 month old--we had recently moved. I had quit my job, left my family & friends, and moved into a smaller house. I felt like I was trying to keep all of the plates spinning, and then our 2 year old son was diagnosed with autism. I told myself it would be okay--now he would get the help he needed and we caught it early. But a year later he hadn't improved even a little. My husband's job was becoming very stressful and my world was starting to fall apart. We pulled through, but it was tough at times. We didn't really fight. We had to stick together or it would all come unglued.
Thirteen years into our marriage someone hurt our child. It was someone from our church; someone we trusted. We had to listen to our child explain to a police officer what happened--in detail. We decided after much prayer and fasting to leave our church and leave our community. It was painful for all of us. But God was SO watching out for us!
Fifteen years.....We are in a healthy, growing church. My husband absolutely loves his job. My kids are doing well in school. I've met some great new friends and I got to keep the ones I already had. We're closer to family. We have worked through the bitterness and hurt, and we are truly happy. Life is by no means perfect for us. Our 10 year old son is violent at times and I don't know how long he will live in our home. My other kids fight. My house always seems messy (that bugs me a lot). Our money doesn't seem to go as far as it used to as the economy shrinks and our family grows. But as I said, we are truly happy.
If I could have seen all of this at the altar 15 years ago, I would have probably run to hide in my bed forever. :-) I had no idea. But God did. He has shown me many times--over and over again--that He has never been taken by surprise. Such a comfort that is! I know we can face the next 15, 25, 55, or more years with Him. It makes me think of the hymn "Because He lives, I can face tomorrow. Because He lives, all fear is gone! Because I know He holds the future, and life is worth the living just because He lives!"
I LOVE MY HUSBAND!!!!!
Congratulations!
ReplyDeleteI didn't know that something happened to one of your kids. I'm so sorry. You totally did the right thing leaving that community.
Your anniversary is kind of bittersweet for me because I remember when all of were getting married around the same time, and as far as I know, we're the only ones divorced. If I knew today what I didn't on my wedding day, I would not have went through with it, but then we wouldn't have these wonderful girls. I sometimes question God why I had to go through a failed marriage when I gave it my heart and soul. He hasn't given me an answer yet but he does bring me comfort and MUCH peace.
As for Daniel, I've been meaning to ask how his weekend at the group home went. I worry about my brother so much. They have a special needs 6 year old, who is basically nonverbal, not toilet trained, has severe behavior issues and can also become violent. My brother is 48 years old. I just don't know how long they can keep Jacob at home. I will be interested in seeing how you guys work through this with Daniel and as always, praying for you. What an awesome challenge. I have seen it firsthand as I have been PCA for Jacob.
You and Al are a fine example of what a healthy marriage should be. I'm proud of you both and wish you many more to come.